Appropriated $13.7 million to invest directly in Lodge communities. The grant includes funding for the brand-new Spotlight Grant, which will focus on literacy initiatives and veterans experiencing homelessness. Community Investments Program grant projects improve the quality of life in places where Elks live and work.

Granted $9.9 million to the state Elks associations through State Charities Grants, Special Project Grants and Bonus Grants, which help fund each state’s charitable activities.

College Scholarships

Today’s Elks scholars can be tomorrow’s Elks, but we have to make that happen by engaging them and welcoming them to the #ElksFamily. To foster their relationship with the Elks, we will again fund three Elks Scholar Service Trips.

Designated $2.9 million to fund the Most Valuable Student scholarship program, which includes 500 four-year scholarships of at least $4,000. The contest features 20 top awards—10 for males, 10 for females—of at least $20,000. These 20 finalists will attend the MVS Leadership Weekend in Chicago, where they will interview for the six top scholarships of $30,000, $40,000 and $50,000.

Allocated $1.1 million to fund the Hoop Shoot, helping young people develop grit, the ability to persevere against long odds. Click here to watch our Griteos, short films featuring past contestants and their families.

Granted $3.3 million to the Order’s Veterans Service Program, which provides aid and comfort for America’s veterans in need. This grant includes $1.3 million in funding specifically for the fight to end veteran homelessness. Click here to read about veterans who've received assistance through the Elks Emergency Assistance Fund.

Elks Veterans Memorial Maintenance

Granted $817,480 to maintain the Elks Veterans Memorial in Chicago. Take a virtual tour of the Elks Veterans Memorial here.

Appropriated $2.3 million to fund the Foundation’s administrative and fundraising expenses. At less than 7 percent, our fundamental expenses are far below the Better Business Bureau’s standard for charities of no more than 35 percent of total spending.